Hi Everyone,
I was wondering, how efficient are the chroma day light type bulbs at
growing orchids?
I've been using GE plant and aquarium, but for some of my hight light
phals it's not enough, I'm thinking of using a mixture of both.
Anyone have any ideas or comments
Thanks
-Sandra

I cannot speak for the 75's, but I (and several others) have noted that the
50's give plants a reddish "tanned" look, suggesting improved PAR.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Artwork, Books and Lots of Free Info!


"sandra" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Everyone,
I was wondering, how efficient are the chroma day light type bulbs at
growing orchids?
I've been using GE plant and aquarium, but for some of my hight light
phals it's not enough, I'm thinking of using a mixture of both.
Anyone have any ideas or comments
Thanks
-Sandra

"sandra" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Everyone,
I was wondering, how efficient are the chroma day light type bulbs at
growing orchids?
I've been using GE plant and aquarium, but for some of my hight light
phals it's not enough, I'm thinking of using a mixture of both.
Anyone have any ideas or comments
Thanks
-Sandra


They are about the same efficiancy as any other flourescent but have a much
improved spectrum. The 50 and 75 refer to degrees kelvin, which is it
apparent colour. The high the number the bluer it will be an the lower the
redder. Standard flourescent bulbs are around 3000K, quite red. Warm and
horticultural bulbs are usally in the mid 2000K range. The 50(5000K) bulb
is very close to sunlight the 75(7500K) bulb is bluer. Blue light help
keep plants short and promotes chlorophyll production. Red will promote
flowering The 5000K bulb will show flowers the best. The best way to
incease intensity is to add more lights or move them closer to the plants.
Light intesity drops of very rapidly with distance. Even a few inches
closer can double the amount of light availible. Those compact
flourescent's can provide a small area of much higher light as well.